Pierogies Recipe

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly. Original recipe (1X) yields 16 servings.

• 1 (16 ounce) sour cream
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
• cup butter
• 2 large onions, chopped

Directions

1. Place the sour cream in a large bowl and mix in the flour until a dough forms.
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/16 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out rounds about 3 1/2 inches across.
3. Re-roll any unused dough up to 4 times to make more rounds. After that, the dough becomes difficult to work with.
4. Place about 1 teaspoon of mashed potatoes in the center of each dough round.
5. Fold the dough over into a half-moon shape and press the edges together with a fork to seal the pierogies.
6. Set the filled pierogies aside and cover them with a towel to prevent them from drying out.
7. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are translucent (about 4-5 minutes).
8. Remove the cooked onions from the skillet and set them aside, leaving the butter in the skillet.
9. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Carefully drop a few pierogies at a time into the boiling water.
10. Once the pierogies float to the surface, allow them to gently boil for about 4 minutes.
11. Re-heat the butter in the skillet over medium heat. Using a slotted spoon, carefully scoop the pierogies out of the water and place them in the skillet to brown on the bottom (about 3 minutes per side).
12. Transfer the fried pierogies to a buttered baking sheet and sprinkle with the cooked onions.
13. Keep the pierogies warm in the oven at a low setting until ready to serve.

Tips

• You can prepare the pierogies ahead of time and freeze them after boiling in Step 4. When you're ready to serve, simply fry them as directed.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	226
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	8g
Cholesterol	28mg
Sodium	136mg
Total Carbohydrate	26g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	1g
Protein	4g
Vitamin C	3mg
Calcium	49mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	173mg

Servings per Recipe: 16

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Pierogies are a beloved dish that has been a staple in Eastern European cuisine for centuries. These dumplings, typically filled with mashed potatoes, cheese, and sometimes other ingredients like meat or sauerkraut, are enjoyed in many countries with varying regional twists. Though their precise origin remains debated, pierogies are most strongly associated with Poland, Ukraine, and Russia, where they have evolved over time to suit local tastes and customs.

History and Origins

The exact origin of pierogies is unclear, but many trace the dish back to Poland in the 13th century, where they were first mentioned in historical records. They were likely influenced by the dumplings brought to Eastern Europe by immigrants from Asia. Some historians also believe pierogies have roots in ancient Slavic traditions, as the word "pierogi" itself is derived from the Slavic word "pierog," meaning "festive food." Over time, pierogies spread across Eastern Europe and were adopted by many cultures, becoming an integral part of the culinary heritage in Poland, Ukraine, and beyond.

Regional Variations

While pierogies are universally adored, each country has its own regional variations. In Poland, pierogies are often filled with mashed potatoes, cheese, or meat and are traditionally boiled before being fried in butter. Ukrainian pierogies, known as "varenyky," may include a variety of fillings such as mushrooms, cabbage, and cherries. In Russia, pierogies can sometimes be filled with buckwheat or meat, reflecting regional agricultural practices. The dough itself can also vary slightly, with some recipes including eggs or sour cream, as seen in the recipe above, which yields a tender, flavorful dough that complements the rich fillings.

How Pierogies Differ from Similar Dishes

Although pierogies share similarities with dumplings found in other cultures, they stand apart due to their distinctive filling options and preparation methods. Unlike Chinese dumplings or Italian ravioli, which are often steamed or boiled alone, pierogies are typically fried after boiling, giving them a crispy texture that enhances the flavor. The use of mashed potatoes as a primary filling also sets pierogies apart from other dumplings, which often feature ground meats or vegetables as the main stuffing.

Where Pierogies Are Served

Pierogies are commonly served as a main dish or side dish in Eastern Europe, particularly during family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations. In Poland, pierogies are often featured at Christmas Eve dinners, where they may be filled with sauerkraut or mushrooms. In the United States, particularly in areas with large Eastern European immigrant populations, pierogies can be found in many Polish and Ukrainian restaurants, often served with sour cream or caramelized onions. They are also a popular comfort food, frequently served at family dinners and community festivals.

Interesting Facts About Pierogies

• The most popular pierogi filling is mashed potatoes and cheese, although variations can include meat, mushrooms, or fruit.
• Pierogies are traditionally made by hand, with dough rolled out and cut into circles before being stuffed and sealed. In some regions, however, machines are now used to speed up the process.
• In Poland, there is a national pierogi festival held annually in the town of Krakw, where enthusiasts gather to celebrate the beloved dish and try hundreds of variations.
• In addition to their savory versions, pierogies can also be made with sweet fillings, such as cherries or sweet cheese, and are often served as a dessert.
• Pierogies were once considered a "peasant food," making use of simple, inexpensive ingredients like potatoes, flour, and cheese. Today, they are enjoyed by people of all social classes and have gained international popularity.

FAQ about Pierogies Recipe

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